Jaswant Singh insisted that Vajpayee was aware he was writing the book and never tried talking him out of it.

'Of course not... there is no question. When James Laine's book on Shivaji was banned in Maharashtra by the Shiv Sena (government), Vajpayee's response was that there should be a reply to the book. (He) did not recommend a ban.

'And before I left for Shimla (for the BJP meeting), I gave a copy of my book, both in Hindi and in English, to him (Vajpayee) as I had (given) to Advani.

'And, yes, Vajpayee is aware of what is happing in the party. But I did not discuss party matters or go there to tattle. I went to wish him well.'

Jaswant Singh, who has plans to visit Pakistan to promote his book, defends his decision to keep quiet on many unsavoury incidents that are now out in the public domain including the cash-for-vote sting operation that he claims was orchestrated by the BJP during the trust vote in July last year.

'A soldier disagrees, a soldier does not mutiny... unless the provocation is extreme. Mutiny is not part of psyche,' he replied, when asked why he did not go public earlier with the allegation. 'Lots of people have told me that I am not really a politician and still imbued by the value systems of the soldier. I have not been able to become a politician that exploits a situation or backstabs.'

Jaswant Singh also held that the BJP's challenge was to redefine itself if it has to attract youth and project a 21st century image.

'The BJP should not come across as a 19th century organisation raising obsolete issues. In politics, perceptions are just as important if not more important than reality. Ram Setu and Babri Masjid are non-issues for people now.'

He refused to hazard a guess who could possibly lead the BJP in the next general election. 'I don't know. It is for them to decide. I am outside the periphery of the BJP.'